Keto-acidosis is a serious condition associated with illness or very high blood glucose (sugar) levels in type 1 diabetes. It develops gradually over hours or days.

It is a sign of insufficient insulin. Without enough insulin, the body’s cells cannot use glucose for energy. To make up for this, the body begins to burn fat for energy instead. This leads to accumulation of dangerous chemical substances in the blood called ketones, which also appear in the urine.

High blood glucose level and moderate to heavy ketones* in the urine with:

• Rapid breathing
• Flushed cheeks
• Abdominal pain
• Sweet acetone smell on the breath
• Vomiting
• Dehydration

This is medical emergency and can be life threatening if not treated properly. If these symptoms are present, contact your doctor or go to hospital.

*See ‘Testing Urine’ for instructions on how to test for ketones in the urine.